Age an added bonus for firms.

Byline: By Steven Oliver

Smaller firms are leading the way in using the wealth of talent and experience that older workers offer, according to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Andrew Smith.

Speaking at Age Concern's The Age Agenda conference, he said it was a complete myth that older people are less effective workers.

"We know that many people nearing state pension age do not necessarily want to stop working completely - instead they want to choose how and when they stop working. Not only for the obvious financial benefits, but because older workers are more likely to enjoy high levels of job satisfaction.

"Employers tell us that including older people in their team not only makes for a more motivated, reliable and flexible workforce, it makes good business sense too.

"Smaller employers are acting as trailblazers in the labour market. Research shows that workers over state pension age are more likely to be working for smaller firms. Larger companies would do well to learn from their example in making more of what older employees have to offer."

As one small employer, Stanair Industrial Door Services, puts it: "We retain our workforce well into their later years and retrain them. This allows us to keep and use their skills, and it gives us a tremendous bank of knowledge and experience. There is no official retirement age - each case is treated individually, and the decision to retire is mutually agreed."

Mr Smith went on to set out what the Government is doing to promote the employment of older workers.

He said: "We are looking to open doors for older workers, not close them. Giving people the option to defer their state pension and receive either an enhanced pension or a lump sum is one incentive to keep that door open.

"Outlawing age discrimination, offering practical support to help people on incapacity benefits back into work, and shattering stereotypes through our Age Positive campaign all show we are serious about developing a more age diverse workforce.

"We have much to be proud of already. The number of people aged 50 or over in work has increased by over a million in 1997.

"The forthcoming Pensions Bill is a major step forward in our drive to improve pension security and restore confidence in the pension system.

"Layers of regulations surrounds pensions. This Bill will cut through this complexity - making it easier and simpler for firms to run pensions, helping cut costs and increasing choices."